System, machine and container for preparing fluid food products

ABSTRACT

A system for preparing a food product comprises a sealed disposable container ( 11 ) and a preparation machine ( 1 ), having a hydraulic circuit that comprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water and pumping means, as well as a first dispensing element ( 51 ), which can be supplied with pressurized hot water and/or steam. The entry wall ( 13 ) of the disposable container ( 11 ) has at least one axially hollow coupling element ( 18, 26 ), which defines at least part of an inlet of the disposable container ( 11 ). The disposable container ( 11 ) comprises an axially extending injector element ( 20 ), which can be coupled to the at least one coupling element ( 18, 26 ) or is formed integrally therewith in such a way that at least one first distal portion of the injector element ( 20 ) extends within the internal volume ( 16 ). The first dispensing element ( 51 ) and the at least one coupling element ( 18, 26 ) of the disposable container ( 11 ) are configured for mutual coupling, and the hydraulic circuit ( 40 ) can be controlled for conveying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the first dispensing element ( 51 ), for the corresponding injection into the internal volume ( 16 ) of the disposable container ( 11 ) through the injector element ( 20 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the subject of preparation of fluidfood products, i.e., liquid or semi-liquid products, in particular viaautomatic and semiautomatic preparation machines. The techniquesdescribed have been developed with particular reference to the systems,machines, and kits for preparing liquid food products that may alsocomprise a number of ingredients that can be processed separately, orfood products preparation of which envisages the use of at least oneperishable ingredient, or preparation of which envisages the use ofsteam.

PRIOR ART

Preparation of liquid products by automatic preparation machines, forexample machines for domestic or community use, is widespread, inparticular for preparing hot beverages that may also include a number ofingredients.

In some known solutions, various ingredients of a given hot beverage arepre-packaged in a capsule, either sealed or not sealed, and thepreparation machine is prearranged for treating the capsule in order todispense the beverage. Typically, the machine is designed for loadingthe capsule into a preparation or brewing chamber, which, in the case ofa sealed capsule, is provided with means for piercing the capsuleitself.

Supplied to an inlet of the brewing chamber is a preparation fluid at ahigh temperature, represented in general by heated water and/or steam,so that the aforesaid fluid dissolves the ingredients contained in thecapsule (in the case of soluble ingredients) or else extracts therefromthe substances and flavours useful for preparation of the beverage (inthe case of infusion ingredients). The beverage thus obtained comes outof the brewing chamber through a corresponding outlet and is dispensedvia a nozzle into a collection container, typically represented by a teacup, or a coffee cup, or a glass.

This type of preparation, albeit very practical and hygienic, does notin general enable beverages to be obtained of a quality comparable tothe ones that can be obtained via a manual preparation of the variousingredients, in particular a separate preparation thereof, withsubsequent combination or mixing. Consider, for example, the case of thebeverage cappuccino: in the case of preparation via a capsule, this mustcontain both the precursor of an espresso coffee, generally representedby ground coffee for brewing or else soluble coffee, and the precursorof a liquid milk, in general represented by powdered milk, which areextracted and/or dissolved and mixed directly in the capsule, withsubsequent dispensing of the mixture into a collection container, forexample a cup.

Even when the capsules and/or the corresponding preparation machines aredesigned to enable production of abundant froth in the beveragedispensed, the result obtained is not in general of a qualitative levelcomparable to what can be obtained via separate preparation of anespresso coffee and of a dose of liquid milk heated and frothed usingsteam, with their subsequent combination in a collection container forfinal consumption. Similar problems also exist in the case of machinesdesigned for preparing a cappuccino (or other liquid product with anumber of ingredients), by processing in rapid succession two differentcapsules, for example one containing the precursor of the espressocoffee and the other the precursor of the liquid milk, with the twobeverages that are dispensed one after another into one and the samecollection container.

Many preparation machines are thus prearranged to enable dispensing ofhot water or steam also outside the brewing chamber, via a specificnozzle or wand, which can be manually oriented by a user, where sodesired. In this way, once again with reference the preparation of acappuccino, the user is in the condition of exploiting the wand fordispensing the steam necessary to heat and froth the milk contained in acontainer (for example, a cup), and then add in the same container adose of espresso coffee, which can be obtained by means of acorresponding single-ingredient capsule, processed in the brewingchamber of the machine itself, and dispensed thereby in the waysdescribed above. Other machines still are prearranged for connection toa purposely provided accessory container, known as milk frother,specifically designed for heating and frothing the milk by means ofsteam generated in the machine, and then enabling pouring of the heatedand frothed milk into another container, to which a dose of espressocoffee produced via the same machine can then be added, for exampleusing a single-ingredient capsule as explained above. Other known milkfrothers are, instead, configured as functionally independentapparatuses of a preparation machine of the type referred to.

Even though the cappuccino that can be obtained is in general betterthan what can be produced via a capsule containing the precursors of thecoffee and milk, also this second methodology of preparation impliessome drawbacks.

A first problem is linked to the quality of the cappuccino prepared,which depends, in fact, not only upon the quality of the espresso coffeeand of the starting liquid milk, but also upon the degree of skill ofthe person preparing the hot beverage. For instance, incorrect heatingor frothing of the milk may have an effect on the goodness of the finalbeverage. The same applies in the case of an excessive or else reducedamount of frothed milk that is mixed with the espresso coffee, or elseagain in the case of a wrong amount of espresso coffee.

Another problem is linked to the hygienic requirements regarding the useof a biological liquid, as is milk. On account of its composition, theliquid milk is in fact an ideal substrate for the growth ofmicro-organisms, which may be harmful to human health: for this reason,the tools for preparing food that come into contact with this biologicalliquid should be thoroughly cleansed in relatively short times afteruse. Consequently, the wand of the preparation machine used for frothingthe liquid milk necessary for preparation of the cappuccino should bewashed or in any case cleaned in short times, and carefully, in order toprevent proliferation of micro-organisms. The same applies in the caseof a preparation obtained using a milk frother, which also requiresthorough washing after use.

Problems similar to the ones exemplified in relation to cappuccino mayalso exist as regards preparation of other fluid food products with abase of a number of ingredients, such as broths or soups, which can beprocessed via hot water or steam generated by a preparation machine ofthe type referred to.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY

In its general terms, the present invention has the aim to solve one ormore of the drawbacks referred to.

According to a first aspect, the present invention is aimed at providinga system that is particularly advantageous, both from the hygienicstandpoint and from the standpoint of simplicity of use, for on-the-spotpreparation of food products using a preparation fluid dispensed by adispensing element of a preparation machine.

According to a second aspect, the present invention is aimed atproviding a particularly advantageous preparation machine in view of usethereof in a system of the type referred to.

According to a third aspect, the present invention is aimed at providinga pre-packaged container, preferably of a disposable type, that enablespreparation and retention in a simple and intuitive way of a fluidhigh-quality food product, also based upon the use of at least one freshingredient, such as cow's milk, and that does not imply anycontamination of the preparation machine on which the preparationcontainer is used.

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention is aimed atproviding such a system and/or such a machine and/or such a containerdevised so as to render the quality of the final food productsubstantially independent of the skill of the person carrying outon-the-spot preparation thereof.

According to a fifth aspect, the present invention is aimed atindicating new modalities for on-the-spot preparation of food productsalso comprising a number of ingredients on a preparation machine, thesemodalities being simple, efficient, and hygienic.

According to a sixth aspect, the present invention is aimed at providingkits or containers that can be used both for preparing and retaining afluid food product and for subsequent consumption of the product.

One or more of the aforesaid aims are achieved by a system and/or by amachine and/or by a container and/or by a method for preparing a foodproduct having the characteristics specified in the annexed claims. Theclaims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention willemerge from the ensuing description, with reference to the annexeddrawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example andin which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preparation system accordingto possible embodiments of the invention, comprising a preparationmachine and a disposable container;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views, respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view, of a sealed container according to possibleembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views, respectively a perspective view and across-sectional view, of a tubular injector element of a disposablecontainer according to possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable containeraccording to possible embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a detail of FIG. 6 at a larger scale;

FIG. 8 is a partial, schematic cross-sectional view of a preparationmachine according to possible embodiments of the invention, in a firstcondition;

FIG. 9 is a detail of FIG. 8 at a larger scale;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic views, respectively a perspective view anda cross-sectional view, of a capsule for preparing liquid food productsthat can be used in a system or in a machine according to possibleembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views similar to those of FIGS. 8 and 9, but withthe machine in a second condition;

FIG. 14 is a diagram aimed at exemplifying a possible simplified exampleof hydraulic circuit of a preparation machine according to possibleembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are partial and schematic mutually orthogonal sectionsof a dispensing head of a preparation machine according to possibleembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are partial and schematic perspective views of apreparation machine and of a disposable container according to possibleembodiments, while they are being functionally coupled together;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are views similar to those of FIGS. 15 and 16, with adisposable container in a condition of mechanical coupling with thedispensing head;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are views similar to those of FIGS. 17 and 18, with thedispensing head in a condition of hydraulic coupling with the disposablecontainer;

FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a disposable containeraccording to possible embodiments of the invention, after preparation ofa corresponding food product;

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a disposable containeraccording to possible embodiments of the invention, with some of itselements removed in view of consumption of the corresponding foodproduct;

FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a disposable containeraccording to possible embodiments of the invention, provided with acorresponding lid; and

FIG. 26 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 25, but with thelid of the disposable container removed.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference to an embodiment in the framework of the present descriptionis intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, orcharacteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised inat least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as “in an embodiment”, “inone embodiment”, “in various embodiments” and the like that may bepresent in various points of this description do not necessarily referto one and the same embodiment. Moreover, particular conformations,structures, or characteristics defined in this description may becombined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments, including onesdifferent from those represented. The reference numbers and spatialreferences (such as “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, etc.) used hereinare provided merely for convenience and hence do not define the sphereof protection or the scope of the embodiments. In the figures, the samereference numbers are used to designate elements that are similar ortechnically equivalent to one another. In the ensuing description and inthe attached claims, where not otherwise specified, terms such as“ingredient” or “food substance” are to be understood as referringindifferently to a single substance (for example, ground coffee) or elseto a mixture of a number of substances (for example, ground coffee withthe addition of a sweetener).

Represented schematically in FIG. 1 is a system for preparing fluid(i.e., liquid or semi-liquid) food products according to possibleembodiments of the invention, comprising a preparation machine and acontainer that can be processed by the machine, the container possiblybeing configured as a kit. In various preferential embodiments, theaforesaid container or kit is of a disposable type. The container isconfigured for use in combination with the machine, for preparing a foodproduct and retaining it, both during the preparation and subsequently,for example in view of its consumption. As will be seen, in particularlyadvantageous embodiments, the same container can be used directly by auser for consuming the food product.

The preparation machine, designated as a whole by 1, has a casing orstationary structure 2, to which a tank 3 is associated for containmentof water that can be used for the purposes of preparation of foodproducts, for example—but not exclusively—hot beverages. In addition oras an alternative to the tank 3, the machine 1 may be provided with asuitable system for connection to an external water system, for examplea domestic system, for supply of the drinkable water potable necessaryfor operation.

In various preferential embodiments, the machine 1 has a brewingchamber, configured for receiving at least one dose of a precursor of aliquid food product and for dispensing this liquid food productfollowing upon passage of water and/or steam through the brewingchamber. For this purpose, the machine 1 may comprise a suitablehydraulic circuit, configured for supplying pressurized hot water and/orsteam to the brewing chamber. In various embodiments, the brewingchamber of the machine 1 is prearranged for receiving a capsule, or apod, or a tablet that contains the aforesaid dose of precursor, but thisdoes not constitute an essential characteristic.

In various embodiments, associated to the structure 2 of the machine 1,preferably in a front position, is a user interface 4, which comprisesmeans for selection of programs and/or functions of the machine, such askeys, and/or push-buttons, and/or selectors, and warning means, such aswarning lights, and/or light indicators, and/or an electronic display.Possibly, the user interface 4 may include a display of a touch-screentype, which performs both the function of means for selection andsetting and the function of display and warning. Within the structure 2,for example in a position corresponding to the user interface 4, anelectronic card can be mounted, in which at least part of the controlsystem of the machine 1 is implemented. In addition or as an alternativeto the user interface 4, the machine 1 may be equipped with a remotecontrol and/or prearranged for being controlled at least in part via asmart device, such as a cellphone or tablet provided with acorresponding application software. The control system of the machine 1may also be prearranged for connection—either wired or in wirelessmode—to a communication network, for example a domestic network or ahome-automation system.

In various embodiments, the structure 2 defines, preferably in a frontposition and/or underneath the user interface 4, a space or area 5 forpositioning containers that can be used for collecting the hot beveragesor for preparing and retaining them in accordance with the invention.Preferentially, the positioning space 5 is provided with a tray or lowersupport 5 a, for resting thereon the aforesaid containers. The tray 5 acan be of a height-adjustable type, to facilitate use of the usualcontainers having different heights, for example glasses, tea cups,coffee cups, and disposable containers according to possible embodimentsof the invention. The space 5 is preferentially defined outside thestructure 2 or casing of the machine 1; i.e., it is accessible directlyby a user. The machine 1 may, however, also include a hatch, for accessto a protected space 5.

Designated as a whole by 10 is an example of disposable container, inthe form of a kit, that can be used in combination with the machine 1for preparation and retention of a food product. As will emerge clearlyhereinafter, in various embodiments, such a food product can be preparedusing the container kit 10 and at least one preparation fluid that canbe supplied directly by the preparation machine 1, outside thecorresponding brewing chamber.

In various embodiments, the kit 10 comprises at least one pre-packagedsealed container 11, in particular of a disposable type. In preferentialembodiments, the container kit 10 comprises a disposable tubularinjector element 20; in the example illustrated, the pre-packagedcontainer 11 and the injector element 20 are configured as distinctparts that can be coupled together. In possible variant embodiments (notrepresented), the container 11 may already be provided with acorresponding injector element, for example pre-mounted. In whatfollows, for reasons of simplicity, the element 20 will be identified as“nozzle”.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, in various embodiments, the sealedcontainer 11 has a container body 12, closed at the top by a top orentry wall 13 and having a bottom wall 14 and a lateral wall 15. Thewalls 13, 14, and 15 define a chamber or sealed internal volume 16,containing a predetermined amount of at least one food substance 17, inparticular a first ingredient of the food product to be prepared,possibly an ingredient of a perishable type and/or a type that can bekept in a refrigerated environment. In what follows, it may be assumedfor reasons of simplicity that the aforesaid food product to be preparedis a hot cappuccino, the substance or ingredient 17 of which containedin the chamber 16 is fresh cow's milk, and the preparation fluid thatcan be supplied by the machine 1 into the container 11 is steam. Itshould be noted that, as an alternative, a pre-packaged sealed containeraccording to the invention could include milk of some other nature, forexample, selected from the following: UHT milk, milk without lactose,goat's milk, soy milk, hazelnut milk, milk-based preparation (fruitand/or chocolate).

The bottom wall 14 and the lateral wall 15 of the container body 12 arepreferentially made of a single piece, preferably with a plasticmaterial suitable for food purposes, for example a moulded orthermoformed body made of polypropylene or polystyrene, or of abio-plastic or compostable material. Not on the other hand excluded fromthe scope of the invention is the case where the container body 12 ismade of a metal material or a material with a metal base, for examplealuminium. The lateral wall 15 is preferably substantiallyfrustoconical, and the bottom wall 14 is substantially plane, but theseshapes are not essential.

The top wall 13 of the container body 12 preferentially comprises asealing foil, preferably of a pierceable type, for example made ofplastic material (e.g., a polypropylene-based material, or abio-plastic, or a compostable material) or of metal material (forexample, an aluminium-based material), or possibly comprising a numberof layers that may even made of different materials (for example, anumber of films of plastic material, or a number of films of metalmaterial, or combinations of at least one film of plastic material, andat least one film of metal material).

The foil 13 that forms the top wall of the container body 12 has aperipheral region 13 ₁ (FIG. 3), which is fixed in a hermetically sealedway at an upper edge of the lateral wall 15. For this purpose,preferentially this upper edge is shaped so as to define an annularflange 15 a, which extends radially outwards from the lateral wall 15.The peripheral region 13 ₁ of the foil 13 can be fixed in a sealed wayto the upper surface of the flange 15 a via heat-sealing.

Irrespective of the specific materials used for production of the body12 and of the wall 13, they are preferentially materials that havebarrier properties in regard to oxygen and light, adequate to enable asufficiently prolonged conservation of the corresponding contents, hererepresented by the liquid milk 17, also in a refrigerated environment.

Preferentially, the foil 13 is configured for being removed from thecontainer body 12, in particular in order to enable consumption of thecappuccino directly from the container body 12 itself, in the form of acup. For this purpose, in various embodiments, the foil 13 defines agripping tab or appendage, designated by 13 a, aimed at facilitatingmanual peeling away of the foil itself from the flange 15 a. In variouspreferential embodiments, in order to enable drinking of the foodproduct directly from a container body 12, i.e., with the consumer whobrings a flange 15 a to his or her lips, the profile or outer edge ofthe flange 15 a is preferentially generally rounded, or in any caseshaped so as to prevent the presence of sharp edges. In the caseexemplified, the flange 15 a is purposely provided with a rounded edge,designated by 15 b only in FIG. 24. As has been said, the container 11is preferably prearranged to enable preparation of the food product viathe machine 1 and retention of the product inside it, in particular inview of its subsequent consumption.

In various embodiments, in a position corresponding to the top or inletwall, the container 11 has at least one coupling or positioning element,which is preferably axially hollow and defines at least part of an inletof the container itself.

In the example of embodiment illustrated, the aforesaid at least onecoupling or positioning element is associated to the foil 13 and isdesignated as a whole by 18. The element 18 is preferably located at aregion of the foil 13 that is radially more internal with respect to theperipheral region 13 ₁. Preferentially, the coupling or positioningelement 18 projects outside the sealed chamber 16 and defines an axialcavity 19. The element 18, hereinafter identified for reasons ofsimplicity as “matching part”, may be made of plastic material, forexample polypropylene, or a bio-plastic, or a compostable material, andmay be fixed to the foil 13, for example via gluing or heat-sealing,preferably but not necessarily on the outer surface of the foil 13. Thematching part 18 is preferentially associated to the foil 13 in asubstantially central position of the latter, even though this does notconstitute an essential characteristic.

In various preferential embodiments, the matching part 18 identifies, atthe corresponding axial cavity 19, a first piercing region of the foil13, designated by 13 ₂, and/or a passage for guided introduction intothe inner chamber 16 of the container 11 of a first distal portion ofthe nozzle 20. As will emerge clearly hereinafter, in variousembodiments, this introduction is aimed at enabling supply, within thechamber 16 of the container 11, of a preparation fluid, in particularpressurized steam, generated in the machine 1. For this purpose, themachine 1 is provided with an external element for dispensing the steam,which, in some preferential embodiments, comprises a purposely providedexternal dispensing head. In other embodiments, the element used fordispensing the steam into the nozzle 20 could be an external wand of themachine 1. The dispensing element and the dispensing head are heredefined as “external” in so far as at least one of them at least in partfaces the outside of the structure or casing 2 of the machine 1; i.e.,it is accessible from outside in order to enable coupling thereof withthe container 1.

In other embodiments (not represented), the nozzle 20 may be formedintegrally with the matching part 18 or fixed thereto so as to projecttowards the inner chamber 16 of the container 11 right from productionthereof, in particular at the moment of fixing of the foil 13 to thecontainer body 12, after the amount of milk 17 has been dosed into thebody 12.

In addition or as an alternative, in various embodiments, the matchingpart 18 is configured for identifying a predetermined position for thecontainer 11 within the positioning space 5, with respect to a couplingarrangement of the preparation machine 1, as exemplified hereinafter.

In various preferential embodiments, the matching part 18 issubstantially shaped like a cylindrical bushing, with the correspondingaxial cavity 19 having a circular section. More in general, the profileof the cavity 19 is substantially congruent with or at leastapproximately complementary to an outer profile of the tubular element21.

In various embodiments, at least one of the matching part 18 and thenozzle 20 is shaped for mechanical coupling with the aforementionedsteam-dispensing element of the machine 1, in particular the aforesaiddispensing head.

For this purpose, in the non-limiting case exemplified in the figures,the matching part 18 is shaped so as to present a groove or recess 18 ain an intermediate position between its two axial ends. Once againpreferably, these two axial ends are shaped so as to define an upperflange 18 b and a lower flange 18 c, respectively, between which thegroove 18 a, here having a circular profile, extends. In variousembodiments, such as the one exemplified in the figures, the upper endof the matching part 18, i.e., its flange 18 b, defines an abutmentsurface for a corresponding surface of the nozzle 20, whereas the lowerend, i.e., the flange 18 c, defines a surface for fixing of the matchingpart 18 to the foil 13, as has been said, for example, via gluing orheat-sealing.

It should be noted that, in possible embodiments alternative to the oneexemplified in the figures, at least part of the functions indicated forthe matching part 18 could be integrated in a purposely shaped nozzle20.

As may be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, in various embodiments, the nozzle 20has an axially extending tubular body 21, preferentially having acircular section or, as in the case exemplified, at least a slightlyfrustoconical section, defining a cavity or internal duct 22. In variouspreferential embodiments, the lower part of the nozzle 20, or of itsbody 21, is closed and shaped so as to facilitate piercing or tearing ofthe foil 13 in the region 13 ₂ (FIG. 3). In order to facilitatepiercing, the foil 13 can possibly be pre-cut or weakened at the region13 ₂, without prejudice to its characteristics of hermetic sealing withrespect to the container body 12.

In the case exemplified, the aforesaid lower end of the tubular body 21,designated by 23, is shaped so as to define a tip, preferably but notnecessarily having a substantially conical shape. The body 21 defines atits own upper end an inlet 24 of the internal duct 22, the duct havingat least one outlet, which is preferentially located in a position ofthe body 21 that is intermediate between its two axial ends, inparticular at the peripheral wall of the aforesaid tip. In the case ofFIG. 7, the body 21 includes a single outlet, designated by 25, but inother embodiments two or more outlets 25 may be provided, for exampletwo outlets 25 in opposite positions, or else more than two outlets 25distributed along a circumference of the body 21, for example threeoutlets 25 at 120° apart from one another. Provision of a number ofoutlets 25 may be useful for reasons of balancing.

In various preferential embodiments, the matching part 18 and the nozzle20 are prearranged in such a way as to define a position of maximuminsertion of the aforementioned first distal portion of the nozzle inthe chamber 16 of the container 11. For this purpose, preferentially thenozzle 20 has arrest or end-of-travel means, which are able toco-operate with the matching part 18 to define the position of maximuminsertion. In various embodiments, the aforesaid arrest or end-of-travelmeans comprise at least one lateral projection 26 of the body 21 of thenozzle 20, the projection being preferentially a flange definedsubstantially at the proximal end of the body 21, or of the inlet 24 ofits internal duct 22.

In other embodiments, different arrest means may be provided, forexample determined by the shape and size in cross-sectional view of thenozzle 20 and of the axial cavity 19 of the matching part 18. In anembodiment of this type, it is possible to exploit, for example, thegenerally frustoconical outer shape of the nozzle 20, which, at acertain point of its insertion, will interfere mechanically with thediametral profile of the cavity 19, thus stopping insertion. It willhence be appreciated that, in embodiments of this type, the flange 26 ofthe nozzle 20 can be omitted, or does not necessarily have to come tobear upon the matching part 18.

With reference to the case exemplified, as may be appreciated, thenozzle 20 can be inserted manually through the cavity 19 of the matchingpart 18, so that the tip end 23 will cause piercing of the foil 13 inthe region 13 ₂. Insertion of the nozzle 20 proceeds until its flange 26comes to bear upon the upper end of the matching part 18, i.e., on itsflange 18 b, thus identifying the aforesaid position of maximuminsertion. This condition is exemplified in FIG. 6. As has just beenmentioned, this position can also be determined by the interferencebetween the outer profile of the nozzle 20 and the inner profile of thecavity 19.

The axial cavity 19 of the matching part 18 enables guiding of themovement of insertion of the nozzle 20. The preferably frustoconicalsection of the body 21 of the nozzle 20 advantageously enables a sort ofself-centring of the body itself within the cylindrical cavity 19 of thematching part 18.

The aforesaid first distal portion of the nozzle 20, i.e., the portionthereof that is to protrude into the chamber 16 of the container 11, isdesignated by DP in FIG. 5; in the same figure, denoted by PP is,instead, a second proximal portion of the nozzle 20, which—in theaforesaid position of maximum insertion—is to remain outside the chamber16, this portion substantially comprising the stretch of the body 21that traverses the cavity 19 of the matching part 18, as well as thecorresponding upper flange 26, which in this case bears upon the upperflange 18 b of the matching part 18, as may be seen in FIG. 6. As willbe seen, in various embodiments, in the aforesaid condition of maximuminsertion, the flange 26 of the nozzle 20 and the matching part 18 formsubstantially an inlet of the container 11, which may be mechanicallycoupled in a sealed way to the aforesaid dispensing head of thepreparation machine 1.

As exemplified in FIG. 6, in various embodiments, in the position ofmaximum insertion of the nozzle 20 (meaning thereby its operativeposition, even in the case of a nozzle pre-mounted or made of a singlepiece with the matching part 18), its lower or distal end is raised withrespect to the bottom wall 14 of the container body 12, at asubstantially preset distance therefrom. In various preferentialembodiments, in the position of maximum insertion of the first distalportion DP (FIG. 5) of the nozzle 20 into the chamber 16 of thecontainer 11, the outlet opening 25 of the nozzle 20 itself is locatedat a substantially preset distance above the level (in staticconditions) of the first ingredient 17, here represented by liquid freshmilk. Also this characteristic may be appreciated from FIG. 6, as wellas from the corresponding detail of FIG. 7, where the level of the milk17 is designated by L. In general terms, the distance between the atleast one outlet 25 of the nozzle 20 and the level of the food substance17 may depend upon the type of the substance itself and/or upon the typeof food product to be prepared, and/or upon the volume of the chamber16, and/or upon the amount of the desired food product, and/or upon thetype of preparation. In other embodiments, on the other hand, a positionthat is correct from a functional standpoint for the at least one outlet25 of the nozzle may can also be at a height lower than the level of thefood substance 17; i.e., the outlet 25 is at least partially submerged.

In the case exemplified, the outlet 25 is defined at the terminal tipportion 23 of the injector element 20, in particular in its conicalwall: more in general, it is preferable for the at least one outlet 25to be shaped and/or positioned in such a way that the pressurized fluidsupplied in the duct 22—the steam, in the example considered here—comesout of the outlet 25 with a flow having a direction generally inclinedwith respect to the axis of the nozzle 20 and/or with respect to thesurface of the mass of milk 17, as highlighted by the arrow F in FIG. 7.This inclined arrangement of the flow may be advantageous in order togenerate swirling motions in the mass of milk 17, useful forfacilitating formation of an abundant surface froth.

It will moreover be appreciated that, given the presence of the nozzle20 and of its outlet 25, the preparation fluid can be introduced intothe chamber 16 in an area that is at a distance from the entry wall,here represented by the foil 13.

In FIG. 8, and in the corresponding detail of FIG. 9, a machine 1according to possible embodiments of the invention is represented in apartial and schematic form merely by way of non-limiting example. Themachine 1 is here illustrated limitedly to the parts of immediateinterest for an understanding of the invention, amongst which apreparation or brewing unit, designated as a whole by 30.

From a mechanical standpoint, the brewing unit 30 may be of any knowntype available in the sector, for example—but not exclusively—asdescribed in one or more of the documents WO 2014/016741 A2, WO2013/182923 A1, WO 2013/150480 A1, WO 2013/140282 A1, WO 2013/111088 A1,WO 2013/038318 A1, WO 2012/168917 A1, WO2012168918 A1, all of which arefiled in the name of Luigi Lavazza S.p.A., to which the reader isreferred also for a description of possible types of capsules (eithersealed or not) that can be used in machines according to the presentinvention. It should on the other hand be noted that the invention maybe applied also to machines that use pods made of paper material, orelse in machines, the brewing chamber of which is designed for receivingdirectly a precursor of a liquid product, without the mediation of acapsule or pod, such as a preparation in granular or powdered form, forexample ground coffee, or else compacted in the form of a tablet. Again,the invention may be applied to dispensing units that have a brewingchamber defined by one or more stationary bodies, within which theprecursor of a liquid product can be supplied through a suitablepassage, and can then be re-closed in a sealed way. The ground coffeesupplied to the brewing chamber could also be generated in the machine 1itself, if the latter is provided with a bean-to-cup system, i.e., asystem—in itself known—prearranged at least for:

i) directly grinding coffee beans contained in a hopper container thatequips the machine;

ii) dosing the amount of ground coffee necessary for a preparation inprogress; and

-   -   iii) delivering the dose of ground coffee to the brewing        chamber.

As already mentioned, in various preferential embodiments, the unit 30comprises a brewing chamber, configured for receiving at least one doseof at least one precursor of a liquid food product and for dispensingthe product following upon the passage of water and/or steam through thebrewing chamber and the precursor. For this purpose, the machine 1 isalso provided with a hydraulic circuit, configured for supplyingpressurized hot water and/or steam to the brewing chamber.

In various embodiments, the brewing chamber comprises a first part and asecond part, at least one of which is displaceable relative to theother, between a spaced-apart or open position, to enable loading of theaforesaid dose of precursor into the brewing chamber, and a close orclosed position, to enable introduction of water and/or steam into thebrewing chamber, and consequent dispensing of the liquid food product.As mentioned, on the other hand, the invention may also be applied tothe case of units with a brewing chamber defined by one or morestationary bodies.

In various embodiments, the first part of chamber, designated by 31,comprises an injector device, referred to hereinafter for reasons ofsimplicity as “injector”, designed to introduce pressurized hot waterand/or steam into the brewing chamber. The injector 31 is supplied by acorresponding duct (not represented) via a source of water (hererepresented by the tank 3), pumping means, and a boiler (not representedin FIGS. 8-9). The second part of the brewing chamber, designated by 32,comprises a body defining a hollow volume suitable for receiving theaforesaid dose of precursor and designed to dispense the liquid productobtained starting from the precursor; for this purpose, to the part 32there can operatively be associated a dispensing duct, an initial partof which is designated by 32 a in FIG. 9, for release of the liquidproduct from the brewing chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, such as the one represented, the unit 30 isof the type prearranged for receiving capsules containing the aforesaiddose of precursor: in such an embodiment, the part of chamber 32 ishence a capsule-holder, designed to house a capsule at least partially.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate, merely by way of example, a capsule 6 (orcartridge or pod, according to other terms currently in use) that can beused in the machine 1 in order to supply to the container 11 a secondliquid ingredient of the food product: with reference to the examplementioned previously, where the product is a cappuccino, it is to beassumed that the precursor contained in the capsule 6 is ground coffeesuitable for preparing an espresso coffee.

The capsule 6 may be of any type in itself known, and is describedherein only for the purposes of a more convenient understanding ofpossible embodiments of the invention. On the other hand, as mentioned,in possible variant embodiments, the brewing unit 30 of a machineaccording to the invention may be of the type that does not involve theuse of capsules for the purposes of preparation of liquid food products.

The capsule 6 contains a dose 7 of at least one precursor that is ableto produce a liquid food product or substance using water and/or steam.In general, the dose 7 may be constituted, as in the example, by groundcoffee, or else by another precursor of a liquid product, such as tea,chocolate, some other beverage, or a lyophilized preparation forpreparing broth, soups, and infusions of various nature. This list is tobe understood as being provided as an example and does not have amandatory nature, and the precursor could also be of a liquid type. Inwhat follows, as has been said, reference will be made to thepreparation of espresso coffee, with the dose 7 that is hence understoodas being constituted by ground coffee for brewing.

In the structure of the capsule 6, which is as a whole shapedsubstantially like a tray or small cup in which there is the dose 7, itis possible to distinguish:

-   -   a body 8, comprising a lateral or peripheral wall 8 a and a        bottom wall 8 b that closes the body 8 at one end of the lateral        wall 8 a; and    -   a closing wall 9, which closes the capsule 6 at the end opposite        to the bottom wall 8 b.

In the example illustrated, the capsule 6 is a hermetically closedcapsule, with the wall 9 that is constituted by a sealing lamina. Thebody of the capsule 6 is generally semi-rigid, for example with at leastone plastic-based material (e.g., with a polypropylene-based material,or a bio-plastic, or a compostable material) and/or at least one metalmaterial (for example, an aluminium-based material). The wall 9 is madeof a flexible-foil material, consisting of plastic material or metalmaterial, possibly also of a multi-layered type comprising differentmaterials (for example, either a plastic material or a metal material).The invention may, however, also be used in combination with capsulesmade of other materials and/or capsules that have the bottom wall and/orthe closing wall provided with holes.

In the example, the wall or lamina 9 is connected, in a sealed way, forexample by heat-sealing, to the lateral wall 8 a of the body 8 of thecapsule, in particular at an outer annular flange 8 c thereof, whichsurrounds the mouth part of the body 8: in the example, the capsule 6hence has an asymmetrical shape, with respect to a plane passing throughthe flange 8 c.

In the case exemplified, the body 8 is shaped like a cup or traydiverging from the bottom wall 8 b towards the end closed by the sealinglamina 9. Preferentially, this divergent conformation is a frustoconicalconformation, which is, however, not imperative, in so far as thecapsules 6 may have shapes that are as a whole different, for example acylindrical, a prismatic shape, a frusto-pyramidal shape, a cubic shape,or a parallelepipedal shape, etc. In the non-limiting examplerepresented, the bottom wall 8 b is shaped like a concave vault, withthe concavity of the vault of the capsule 6 directed outwards: also inthis case, the choice of this conformation does not have an imperativenature, in so far as the capsule 6 could, for example, have a bottomwall 8 b shaped like a vault with its concavity facing the inside of thecapsule 10, or else a plane or substantially plane bottom wall 8 b.

To return to the non-limiting example of FIGS. 8 and 9, thecapsule-holder 32 is substantially coaxial to the injector 31, and ismounted in a stationary position with respect to the structure, whereasthe injector 31 is mounted in a movable way. According to embodiments(not represented), the injector 31 may, instead, be stationary, and themovable capsule-holder, or else both the injector and thecapsule-holder, may be movable in order to obtain passage between thespaced-apart position and the close position. In possible variantembodiments (not illustrated), the function of injection of water and/orsteam into the chamber formed by the union between the two parts 31 and32 may be carried out in the second part 32, and the function ofdispensing of the espresso coffee may be carried out in the first part31, or else again one and the same part of the brewing chamber may beprearranged for the purposes of injection of water and/or steam and ofdispensing of the espresso coffee.

In various embodiments, the unit 30 includes an arrangement for loadingand unloading the capsules 6, which comprises an inlet passage and anoutlet passage, designated by 33 and 34, for example defined in an upperwall and a lower wall of a casing of the unit 30, respectively. In theexample, the inlet passage 33 is defined in a wall of the unit 30 thatis movable with the injector 31 and is aligned at the bottom to asimilar inlet passage 2 a defined in the structure 2 of the machine 1when the injector 31 is in its position set at a distance from thecapsule holder 32. Underneath the outlet passage 34 of the unit 30 thereis preferably provided a container 35 for collection of the spentcapsules. It should be noted that in FIGS. 8-9 and in the similar FIGS.12-23, the capsules 6 have not been represented for reasons of clarity.

The loading and unloading arrangement of the machine 1 preferentiallyincludes retention means, which can temporarily withhold a capsule 6 ina position intermediate between the injector 31 and the capsule holder32 when these are in their spaced-apart position, and then release thecapsule itself for its insertion into the capsule holder 32, when theinjector and the capsule holder are brought into the close position.Passage between the condition of retention and the condition of releasemay for example be obtained by means of a relative movement between thecapsule holder 32 and the injector 31, or else by way of an expellermember associated to the capsule holder, all of which according to atechnique in itself known (see, for example, the aforementioneddocuments filed in the name of Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.) Preferentially, theretention means 36 are arranged within the casing of the unit 30, in aposition intermediate between the inlet passage 33 and the outletpassage 34, to be operative between the injector 31 and the capsuleholder 32 when these are in the respective spaced-apart position, asrepresented in FIGS. 8 and 9.

In various embodiments, the aforesaid retention means comprise at leasttwo opposed retention elements 36, just one of which may be seen inFIGS. 8-9, the two elements being preferentially mounted substantiallysymmetrically and in one and the same plane transverse to the axis ofoperation of the unit 30, or of displacement of the injector 31.

The elements 36 may for example be constituted by two movable jaws orshoulders, possibly provided with elastic means arranged for pushing thejaws or shoulders towards a position of equilibrium, or for retention ofa capsule 6. The elements 36 may be shaped so as to define between themat least one seat such that, in the course of the step of loading fromabove, a portion of the capsule 6 penetrates between the elements 36themselves, causing divarication thereof, countering the action of thecorresponding elastic means, until the aforesaid seat is reached. Inthis condition, the capsule 6 is withheld by the elements 36 in theintermediate position that is substantially coaxial to the injector 31and to the capsule holder 32.

In other embodiments, the elements 36 may be prearranged so that theretention position is reached and maintained by the capsule 6 in theabsence of an elastic stress on the elements 36: in such a case, thepresence of possible elastic means and/or the intrinsic elasticity ofthe material constituting the elements 36 is exploited to enabledivarication thereof and subsequent return to the position ofequilibrium.

The body of each element 36 can also be shaped so as to interact withparts of the injector 31 in order to obtain a divarication or switchingof the elements 36: for this purpose, for example, the body of theelements 36 may be provided with corresponding lead-ins or inclinedplanes, or present projections designed to co-operate with correspondingparts, such as lead-ins or inclined planes, present on the injector 31.

In any case, the retention means of the unit 30 can also have aconformation different from the ones mentioned above, without prejudiceto the general function of temporarily retaining a capsule 6 in aposition intermediate between the capsule holder 32 and the injector 31.For instance, the retention elements 36 may be switchable shoulders ofthe type described in WO 2008/142663 A2, or else may include stationaryguide elements that can be engaged by the flange 8 c of a capsule 6 andare designed to sustain the latter in the aforesaid intermediateposition: after the capsule has been pushed by the movable injector 31into the capsule holder 32, the possibility of deformation of theaforesaid flange 8 c is exploited in order to release it from theaforesaid guide elements.

In other embodiments, the retention means could be carried directly bythe capsule holder 32 or by the injector 31, for example in the form ofprojecting jaws or arms, designed to divaricate following uponinteraction with the body of the injector 31 or of the capsule holder32, respectively. In other embodiments still, such as the onerepresented, the retention means 36 may be movable with the injector 31so that, after a capsule 6 has been taken up between them, to thepassage of the injector 31 towards the close position with respect tothe capsule holder 32 there corresponds a a similar movement of themeans 36, such as to cause passage of the capsule 6 into the capsuleholder 32.

It should be noted that, in the retention position, the axis of thecapsule 6 could also be slightly inclined: in such a variant embodiment,the conicity of the peripheral wall of the capsule 6 and of the housingdefined in the capsule holder 32 may be exploited to obtain a relativemovement of centring between the elements in question, in the course ofadvance of the capsule towards the capsule holder (or of advance of thecapsule holder towards the capsule, in the case where the capsule holderis movable). It must on the other hand be emphasised that the presenceof the retention means does not constitute an essential element of theinvention, it being possible for these means to be absent (for example,in the case of units with roto-translational movement, such as the onesdescribed in the aforementioned documents WO 2013/182923 A1 and WO2013/038318 A1).

Preferentially, the profile of at least one of the inlet passages 2 aand 33 substantially corresponds to the cross section of the capsule 6so as to enable a guided introduction thereof, with fair precision, intothe unit 30. In this perspective, for example, the passages 2 a and 33can define opposite guide grooves for the projecting flange 8 c of thecapsule 6.

During loading, after the capsule 6 has passed beyond the aforesaidpassages 2 a and 33, it is taken up by the retention means 36. The unit30 may also include, downstream of the passage 33, two opposite linearguides, one of which represented schematically in FIGS. 8-9, where it isdesignated by 37, for guiding the capsule towards the retention means36. These guides 37 may, for example, be configured for receivingbetween them the flange of the capsule 6.

In the embodiment exemplified, the injector 31 can be displaced in twoopposite directions along a substantially horizontal axis of operation,via a lever-type mechanical actuation system, designated as a whole by38, of any type known in the sector. The system 38 may for example beactuated by a lever that can be operated manually by a user of themachine 1, such as the lever designated by 38 a. In other embodiments(not represented), however, the actuation system may be of amotor-driven type, i.e., comprising at least one controllable actuator,such as an electric actuator or else a fluid actuator.

Starting from the retracted position of the injector 31 (visible inFIGS. 8-9), lowering of the lever 38 a causes, via the actuation system38, advance of the injector 31 towards the capsule holder 32, up to aposition where they are close together (visible in FIGS. 12-13). In thisstep, as has been said, the capsule 6 previously inserted into the unit30 and supported by the retention means 36 in a position intermediatebetween the injector 31 and the capsule holder 32 is displaced towardsthe inside of the latter. In the final position where the injector andthe capsule holder are close together (see FIGS. 12-13), they define thebrewing chamber, in which the capsule 6 is housed. The injector 31and/or the capsule holder 32 may be provided with respective devices forpiercing the capsule 6, comprising one or more tips or reliefs,according to known technique. As has been said, the invention may,however, be applied also to the case of brewing units for capsuleshaving one or more pre-pierced end walls, or for capsules made of filterpaper, or for brewing units for precursor tablets without a casing oftheir own, in which case it is not necessary to envisage a piercingdevice in the injector 31 and/or in the capsule holder 32. The capsule 6may also be of the type in which one of its end walls can be opened as aresult of the pressure that is created inside it following uponinjection of the preparation fluid, in which case only the injector 31may be provided with means for piercing the capsule.

In the condition where the injector and the capsule holder are close toone another, the preparation liquid—here hot water—is introduced intothe brewing chamber so as to come into contact with the precursor—hereground coffee—, and the resulting food product—here espresso coffee—cancome out through the corresponding outlet duct (32 a in FIGS. 9 and 13).After dispensing, via raising of the lever 38 a, it is possible toobtain a contrary displacement of the injector 31, i.e., a retractionthereof with respect to the capsule holder 32, into the respectiveposition where they are set at a distance apart (FIGS. 8-9). In thisstep, the spent capsule 6 is extracted from the capsule holder (forexample, via the retention means 36 themselves and/or with the aid of anexpelling member associated to the capsule holder) and then falls bygravity through the outlet passage 34 of the unit 30, into thecollection container 35.

The machine 1 comprises a hydraulic circuit, configured for supplyingwater and/or steam to the brewing chamber 30 and to at least one furtherdispensing element, in particular a dispensing element, which, forexample, belongs to the aforementioned previously dispensing head,described hereinafter. As explained in what follows, this dispensingelement is used for the purposes of introduction, into the internalvolume 16 of the container 1, of a flow of pressurized hot water and/orsteam, which is necessary for preparing the food product starting fromthe at least one food substance 17 contained in the volume itself.

An example of hydraulic circuit is represented schematically in FIG. 14,where it is designated as a whole by 40. The circuit 40 comprises aseries of sealed ducts in fluid communication with one another, notillustrated in FIGS. 8-9 and 12-13, but represented by a single line inFIG. 14.

As emerges from FIG. 14, in various embodiments the tank or source 3 hasan outlet duct 42 operative on which is a pump 43, of a type in itselfknown, for example an electromagnetic pump. Via the duct 42 the tank 3is connected to an inlet of a heater device 44, for example a boilercomprising an electrical resistance. The heater device 44 is configuredfor heating water forced by the pump 43 to pre-set temperatures. Thesetemperatures—which comprise, for example, a temperature suitable forpreparation of an espresso coffee and a temperature of vaporisation ofthe water—may be managed by the control system of the machine 1, inparticular with the aid of a temperature sensor (not represented). Theaforementioned control system, which preferably but not necessarilycomprises an electronic microcontroller with associated memory means,can be implemented at least in part on an electronic board that equipsthe machine 1, such as the board designated by 39 in FIGS. 8-9 and12-13.

An outlet of the heating device 44 is connected to a duct 45 forsupplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to an inlet of adistributor or deviator device 46, for example provided with an actuatorof its own that can be controlled by the control system of the machine1. The device 46, when in a first operative position (towards the right,as viewed in FIG. 14) sets the duct 45 in communication with a duct 47that supplies to the internal unit 30 the respective preparation fluid(hot water, in the example), for the production of espresso coffee viathe capsule 6. When, instead, the device 46 is in a second operativeposition (to the left, as viewed in FIG. 14), the duct 45 is set influid communication with a duct 48 a for supplying a respectivepreparation fluid (steam, in the example) to a respective externaldispensing element, for instance belonging to the aforementioneddispensing head. The device 46 may possibly envisage an inoperative orresting position (at the centre, as illustrated in FIG. 14), in whichthe duct 45 is in fluid communication with a duct 49 for return of waterinto the tank 3.

Upstream of the chamber 30, in particular upstream of the injector 31,the circuit 40 preferentially comprises at least one non-return valve,designed to open only when the pressure of delivery of the water and/orof the steam downstream of the heater device 44 has reached a givenvalue.

As already mentioned, in various embodiments, the machine 1 according tothe invention comprises a dispensing head that is preferably mounted ina position overlying the positioning space 5 (FIG. 1), or facing thespace 5 at least in part.

With reference to FIGS. 9, 13 and 15-16, in various preferentialembodiments, the dispensing head comprises a movable part 50 and astationary part 60 for guiding the movable part 50, with the stationarypart that is preferably in a fixed position relative to the structure 2of the machine 1 and that defines at least one seat or guide for guidingdisplacement of the movable part 50. Preferentially, the part 50 isdisplaceable in a substantially vertical direction between a raised orinoperative position and a lowered or operative position, with respectto the positioning space 5. The parts 50 and 60 may be made of metalmaterial or else of plastic material, or else of combinations of suchmaterials.

With reference in particular to FIGS. 15-16, in various embodiments themovable part 50 comprises at least one first dispensing element 51,hereinafter defined for reasons of simplicity as “first dispenser”,which defines a respective internal duct 52 having an inlet 52 a and anoutlet 52 b; in the example, the outlet 52 b is located at the lower endof the first dispenser 51. The first dispenser 51 is preferentiallyshaped for defining, at the inlet 52 a, an attachment for a tube or thelike, for supply of the respective preparation fluid (here the steam),belonging to the hydraulic circuit of the machine, such as the duct 48 aof FIG. 14. Preferentially, associated to the lower end of the firstdispenser 51 are sealing means 53, which circumscribe the area intowhich the outlet 52 b opens. The sealing means 53 may, for example,comprise an annular gasket made of elastomeric material, which isdesigned to co-operate in a sealed way with the inlet of the disposablecontainer 11, for example with the part of the inlet defined by theflange 26 of the injector element or nozzle 20 (see FIGS. 4-5). Itshould be noted that, in addition or as an alternative, suitable annularsealing means, for example ones made of elastomeric material, could beprovided on the element or nozzle 20, for example on the upper surfaceof the aforesaid flange 26, suitable for co-operating in a sealed waywith the lower end of the body of the first dispenser 51.

In various preferential embodiments, functionally associated to thedispensing head is an arrangement aimed at identifying a predeterminedposition for the container 11 within the positioning space 5. Thisarrangement is preferably configured also to enable a substantiallymechanical coupling with the inlet of the disposable container 11, i.e.,the inlet that—in the example represented—is defined by the flange 26 ofthe nozzle 20 and by the matching part 18 fixed with respect to theupper wall 13 of the disposable container 11. The aforesaid couplingarrangement, designated as a whole by 70 in FIGS. 15 and 16, can becarried by the structure 2 or by the stationary part 60 of thedispensing head, and preferably extends or is able to extend at leastpartially outside the structure 2.

In various embodiments, the arrangement 70 is configured in such a waythat the coupling is obtained by means of a movement of the aforesaidinlet (18, 26) of the container 11 in a generally traverse direction,preferably perpendicular, with respect to the direction of displacementof the first dispenser 51. Hence, in the case exemplified, where thefirst dispenser 51 is displaceable in a vertical direction, engagementbetween the inlet (18, 26) of the container 11 and the arrangement 70 isobtained by means of a displacement of the container in a substantiallyhorizontal direction, within the positioning space 5 of the machine 1.

For this purpose, in various embodiments, the arrangement 70 includes aforked element, comprising two substantially parallel rails or arms 71,which are able to penetrate at least partially into the groove 18 a(FIGS. 2-3) of the matching part 18 of the container 11. In other words,the two arms 71 define between them a first seat, designated by 72,which can engage with the aforesaid groove 18 a. Illustratedschematically in FIGS. 17 and 18 is such an engagement step.

Preferentially, the front end of the arms 71 has at least one inclinedstretch of top surface in order to define an inclined plane or lead-in73, which facilitates insertion and coupling of the matching part 18 inthe aforesaid first seat 72.

Preferentially, the arrangement 70, i.e., the arms 71 of the forkedelement, are shaped so as to define a second seat 74, above the arms 71,between which the upper flange 18 b of the matching part 18 and theupper flange 26 of the nozzle 20 can penetrate. It will hence beappreciated that, in various embodiments, the flange 26 of the nozzleforms itself an element for coupling or positioning of the container 11with respect to the machine 1 (moreover, as will be seen, the matchingpart 18 could also be absent, or differently positioned, or beintegrated in the nozzle 20 or in its flange 26).

The condition of coupling of the groove 18 a in the first seat 72 and ofthe flanges 18 b and 26 in the second seat 74 is clearly visible, forexample, in FIGS. 19-20, where the first dispenser 51 is in a raisedposition. As may be noted, the seats 72 and 74 are substantially coaxialand are aligned in an axial direction with respect to the outlet 52 b ofthe first dispenser 51. From FIG. 17 it may also be noted how the forkedelement comprising the arms 71 is configured so that the seat 72 isclosed at the rear in order to define a detent for the groove 18 a, oran end-of-travel for transverse insertion of the matching part 18between the arms 71.

With reference once again to FIG. 15, in various preferentialembodiments, the movable part 50 of the dispensing head comprises atleast one second dispensing element 55, hereinafter defined for reasonsof simplicity as “second dispenser”, which defines a respective internalduct 56 having an inlet 56 a and an outlet 56 b. In the example, theoutlet 56 b is located at the lower end of the second dispenser 51. Alsothe second dispenser 55 is preferentially shaped for defining, at theinlet 56 a, an attachment for a tube or the like, for supplying a liquidfood product produced in the brewing chamber 30 (here espresso coffeeproduced by the machine 1 via a capsule 6). The aforementioned tube,belonging to the hydraulic circuit of the machine, may be the ductdesignated by 48 b in FIG. 14. In various embodiments, this duct 48 bstarts directly from the brewing chamber 30, or it is connected to theoutlet of the capsule holder 32 (for example, to the part of ductdesignated by 32 a in FIGS. 9 and 13).

Preferentially, associated to the lower end of the second dispenser 55are piercing or tearing means 57, for example a tip or a blade,configured for piercing or tearing the upper wall 13 of the container 11in order to enable the food product (here espresso coffee) dispensed bythe second dispenser 55 to reach the inside of the chamber 16 of thecontainer 11.

In this regard, it should be pointed out that, in preferentialembodiments of the invention, the peripheral region 31 ₁ of the wall orfoil 13 of the container (i.e., its portion fixed in a sealed way to theflange 15 a of the container body 12), on one side, and the matchingpart 18, on the other side, identify between them an annular region 13 ₃(see FIG. 3) of the same wall 13 that is to be pierced or torn at leastlocally, for example by the second dispenser 55, in order to enableintroduction into the chamber 16 of the container 11 of at least onesecond ingredient or liquid food substance (here espresso coffee), inaddition to the first ingredient or liquid food substance alreadycontained right from the start in the container itself (here fresh cow'smilk).

Preferentially, the second dispenser 55 is movable together with thefirst dispenser 51, laterally thereto and to the arrangement 70; i.e.,it is movable substantially vertically between a respective raised orinoperative position and a lowered or operative position. For thispurpose, preferentially the first dispenser 51 and the second dispenser55 are integral with one another, to form in a single body the movablepart 50 of the dispensing head, or else they are configured as distinctbodies fixed together to form the movable part 50. Once againpreferentially, the stationary part 60 of the dispensing head can definea first seat 61 for guiding the linear displacement of the firstdispenser 51, and a second seat 62 for guiding a corresponding lineardisplacement of the second dispenser 55.

Displacement of the movable part 50 between its inoperative position andits operative position can be obtained via the same actuation system 38as the one used for producing displacement of the injector 31 of theunit 30, via an adequate mechanical transmission system. In this way,operation of the lever 38 a can be exploited for causing both thedisplacements of the injector 31 between the position where it is set ata distance from the capsule holder 32 and the position where it is setclose to the capsule holder 32 and the displacements of the movable part50 of the dispensing head between the respective inoperative (raised)position and the respective operative (lowered) position. In otherembodiments, the movable part 50 could be provided with an actuationsystem of its own, for example of a motor-driven type.

It should in any case be noted that, in possible variant embodiments,the dispensers 51 and 55 could be configured as distinct componentsmovable independently of one another, via respective actuation systems.

As already mentioned, illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 is the condition ofmechanical coupling of the inlet of the container 11 (i.e., of itsmatching part 18 and of the flange 26 of the nozzle 20) to the couplingarrangement 70 of the dispensing head, with the movable part 50 of thedispensing head in a raised or inoperative position.

In this condition, where the groove 18 a of the matching part 18 bearsupon the back end of the seat 72 defined between the arms 71, the inletend (24, FIGS. 4-5) of the nozzle 20 is substantially coaxial to theoutlet 52 b of the first dispenser 51, underneath it. Given the raisedposition also of the second dispenser 55, its piercing means 57 extendabove the foil 13 of the container 11, without constituting a hindranceto the transverse movement of coupling of the matching part 18 to thearrangement 70 of the dispensing head.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show the movable part 50 of the dispensing head, or ofits dispensers 51 and 55, in the respective lowered or operativeposition.

Following upon lowering, the sealing means 53 of the first dispenser 51come into contact and are pressed against the upper surface of theflange 26 of the nozzle 20, the flange 26 resting on the upper flange 18b of the matching part 18, which in turn is engaged at the bottom by thearms 71 of the forked element of the arrangement 70. In this way, thefluid seal between the outlet 52 b of the first dispenser 51 and theinlet (18, 26) of the container 11 is guaranteed, without any dispersionof the preparation fluid (here steam).

It will moreover be appreciated how, in various preferentialembodiments, the coupling arrangement 70 can be configured forsupporting the disposable container 11, without this having to restnecessarily on the lower tray 5 a of the space 5. In the exampleillustrated, this function is provided by the forked element, when thematching part 18 is engaged therein, as described previously. It shouldbe noted that the arrangement 70 can also be exploited for determiningthe position of maximum insertion of the nozzle 20 through the matchingpart 18.

Lowering of the part 50 also has the effect of causing piercing ortearing of the foil 13 of the container 11 by the purposely providedmeans 57 of the second dispenser 55 in the region 13 ₃ (FIG. 3). Theoutlet 56 b of the second dispenser 56, in the lowered operativeposition, projects directly into the container 11 for dispensing thereinthe corresponding ingredient (here espresso coffee). It should be notedthat the opening made in the foil 13 by the means 57 also has the effectof enabling venting of air from the chamber 16 when the steam necessaryfor heating and frothing the milk 17 is introduced therein.

Visible in FIG. 23 is a container 11 after the steam and the espressocoffee have been delivered therein, with the cappuccino that is withheldwithin the container itself. From this figure there may be noted thepresence of an opening H in the foil 13, produced by the piercing ortearing means 57 of the second dispenser 55. FIG. 24 illustrates,instead, the container 11 in a step of consumption of the cappuccino,designated by 17′, where the user has removed the foil 13 with theassociated matching part 18 and nozzle 20. As may be appreciated, thecontainer 11, in addition to being used for preparing and retaining thefood product 17′, can then be used directly as a cup, and, as alreadymentioned, for this purpose it may be convenient to provide a roundedouter edge 15 b for the flange 15 a.

Illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26 is a disposable container kit 10according to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,whereby the container 11 is provided with a lid 27 of its own, removablyassociated to the body 12, for example fitted or engaged by snap actionat the flange 15 a. The lid 17, made for example of plastic material,defines a cavity 27 a, so that between the lid itself and the wall orfoil 13 there can be housed at least the nozzle 20 (when configured asdistinct part or part to be mounted) and, possibly, at least one furtherpre-packaged cappuccino ingredient, such as a package 28 containing asweetener (for example, sugar) and/or a package 29 containing powderedcocoa. As may be appreciated, after removal of the lid 27, the user hasfree access to the nozzle 20 and to the packages 28, 29. Possibly, inthe cavity 27 a of the lid 27 there may be housed at least oneimplement, such as a spoon made of plastic material or the like, forexample a mixing rod (for instance, made of plastic, or bio-plastic, orwood, or a compostable material).

It should be noted that the function indicated of the lid 27 can beperformed also by a plastic film associated in a removable way to thefoil 13, or to the flange 15 a, or to the lateral wall 15, or again by aflexible and tearable wrapper that encloses entirely the container 11and is designed to contain also the nozzle 20, the packages 28, 29, andthe possible implement.

Use of a lid 27 may, however, prove convenient also following uponpreparation of the cappuccino and after removal of the foil 13 (as inFIG. 24) for re-closing the container 11 temporarily during consumptionof the cappuccino, for example to reduce dispersion of heat prior to itsfinal consumption.

As may be appreciated, a cappuccino can be prepared according to verysimple modalities. For this purpose, it will be assumed that thecontainer 10 illustrated in FIG. 10 is used and that this is preservedin a refrigerated environment, for example a household fridge.

The user raises the lever 38 a of the machine 1 in order to bring aboutopening of the brewing unit (FIG. 8) and gain access to the inletpassages 2 a and 33, and introduces a capsule 6 for preparing espressocoffee into the machine, which reaches the retention means 36. It willbe assumed that, in the case exemplified herein, raising of the lever 38a will determine also passage of the movable part 50 of the dispensinghead into the respective raised position.

The user then takes the container 10 out of the fridge and removes thelid 27, in order to gain access to the nozzle 20 and to the packages 28,29. The user then inserts the nozzle 20 into the cavity 19 of thematching part 18, bringing about tearing of the foil 13 in the region 13₂ using the tip 23 of the nozzle 20 and a possible pre-cut or weakeningof the foil 13 in the region 13 ₂. The nozzle 20 is inserted as far asthe aforesaid position of maximum insertion, for example in which theflange 26 of the nozzle itself comes to bear upon the upper flange 18 bof the matching part (as explained previously, the maximum limit ofinsertion of the nozzle 20 through the matching part 18 can be obtainedalso in another way, for example exploiting the conicity of the nozzle).

The container 11 is then brought to the machine 1 and set in thepositioning space 5. As explained, in this step the container 11 istranslated by the user in a substantially horizontal direction so thatthe inlet (18, 26) of the container engages in a mechanical way with thecoupling arrangement 70, as described previously (see FIGS. 17-18).Next, the user lowers the lever 38 a of the machine 1 so as to close thebrewing unit 30 (FIG. 12), with the capsule 6 that is enclosed insidethe brewing chamber 31-32 and (in the example considered) so as to causelowering of the movable part 50 of the dispensing head (FIGS. 21-22). Inthis way, as explained above, sealed coupling is obtained between theoutlet end 52 b of the first dispenser 51 and the inlet of the container11 (i.e., the flange 26 of the nozzle 20), as well as piercing of thefoil 13 by the corresponding means 57 of the second dispenser 55, withthe outlet end of the latter that thus faces directly the inside of thecontainer 11.

At this point, the user can start the preparation program via the userinterface 4 of the machine 1. The control system 39 of the machinecontrols the pump 43, the boiler 44, and the distributor 46 (FIG. 14) inorder to supply steam to the first dispenser 51, i.e., to the nozzle 20,and then inside the container 11 so as to heat and froth thecorresponding dose of milk 17. Next, the control system controls thepump 43, the boiler 44, and the distributor 46 (FIG. 14) in order tosupply hot water to the brewing chamber 31-32 so as to obtain theespresso coffee, which reaches the second dispenser 56 for beingintroduced into the container 11 already containing the frothed milk.

At the end of the preparation program, the machine lever 38 a can beraised so as to bring about unloading of the spent capsule 6 from thebrewing unit 30 and raising of the movable part 50 of the dispensinghead. The container 11, which contains the cappuccino 17′, can then beremoved from the housing space, with a horizontal movement opposite tothe previous one in order to bring about disengagement between the inlet(18, 26) of the container 11 and the coupling arrangement 70.

The user can then remove the foil 13, using the tab 13 a, and theassociated matching part 18 and nozzle 20, and then proceed to consumingthe cappuccino.

It will be appreciated that in the control system of the machine 1 anoperating program can be stored, dedicated for preparing cappuccino (orsome other food product), for example of the type in which thetiming/amounts for dispensing of the steam and the espresso coffee areoptimized also according to the pre-set amount of milk 17 contained inthe container 11.

In various particularly advantageous embodiments, the machine 1 isprearranged for automatic recognition of the container 11, for examplefor detecting the presence of the container itself in the space 5 and/orfor selecting and/or starting in an automatic way a correspondingpreparation program. A system for detection of the presence and/or forrecognition of the container 11 can be based upon the use of amechanical sensor (for example, a microswitch) or a sensor of acontactless type (for example, an optical sensor, or a proximity switch,or an inductive sensor, or an RFID). For instance, a system foridentification of the container 11 may, for example, be based upon theuse of an optical sensor, capable of recognizing or discriminatingvarious colours, or logos, or graphic codes, and the foil 13 for sealingthe container 11 may present various colours, or present different logosor graphic codes, according to the type of ingredient 17.

It will be appreciated in fact that the concepts exemplified previouslyin relation to preparation of a cappuccino are applicable also to thepreparation of other food products. Consider, for example, the case of acontainer 11, the ingredient 17 of which is a broth or a liquid base forsoups, to which there can be associated various soluble or lyophilizedpreparations, contained in respective capsules 6 at the choice of theconsumer. In such a case, the first dispenser 51 can be used for heatingwith steam the broth or the pre-packaged base in the container 11, and agiven capsule 6 can be used for adding a further ingredient, asexemplified for cappuccino. Of course the control system of the machinewill be prearranged with corresponding optimised preparation programs.Possibly, the machine 1 could also be equipped with presence-sensormeans and/or means for recognition of the capsule 6, in order to preventstart of a cycle of preparation of a food product in the absence of acapsule 6 in the unit 30, or else prevent start of such a cycle when thecapsule 6 loaded in the machine is incompatible with the contents of thecontainer 11 detected in the positioning space 5.

The given dose of ingredient 17 pre-packaged in the container 11 doesnot necessarily have to be in the liquid state, it possibly consistingof a solid substance, for example a soluble or lyophilized substance(such as a lyophilized broth or a base for soups). For such cases, thecorresponding preparation program stored in the control system of themachine may conveniently envisage delivery into the container 11 of anamount of heated water, via the first dispenser 51, where the amount andthe temperature of the water delivered are preset according to theingredient 17. The function of introduction of water (or steam) into thecontainer 11 could in any case be controlled manually by the user, forexample via the user interface.

It is also possible for the preparation program stored to envisage useof the first dispenser 51 for delivering initially an amount of hotwater and then a certain amount of steam in order to obtain a sort ofmixing of the contents, exploiting the swirling motion that the steamcan induce. On the other hand, for similar cases in which the additionof a further ingredient via a capsule 6 is not indispensable, theoperating program can envisage that the hot water be delivered to thecontainer 11 via the second dispenser 55 (and hence with passage throughthe brewing chamber 31-32), and the steam be delivered to the container11 via the first dispenser 51, as already described above.

From the foregoing description, the characteristics of the presentinvention emerge clearly, as likewise do its advantages, principallyrepresented by the hygiene of the solution proposed, by its simplicityof use, and by the fact that the quality of the final food products canbe rendered substantially independent of the skill of the personcarrying out on-the-spot preparation thereof. A further advantage of thepreferential solution proposed is represented by the fact that, sincethe disposable container described can be used directly also forconsumption of the beverage, transfer of the preparation into adifferent container may be avoided, and the consequent losses ofaesthetic appearance and characteristics of the froth.

It is clear that numerous variations may be made by the person skilledin the branch to the system, the machine, and the disposable containerfor preparing food products described above, without thereby departingfrom the scope of the invention, as defined by the ensuing claims.

Previously, there has been exemplified the case of a preparation machineprovided with a system of mechanical actuation with manual leveroperation, which brings about both opening/closing of the brewing unitand raising/lowering of the movable part of the dispensing head but, asmentioned, this does not constitute an essential characteristic. Boththe brewing unit and the dispensing head could present movementsindependent of one another, and also the first and second dispenserscould be displaceable independently of one another. Moreover, both thedispensing unit and the dispensing head could be motor-driven, possiblywith the first and second dispensers motor-driven independently. Alsopossible is a mixed embodiment, for example with one of the brewing unitand the dispensing head provided with a motor-driven actuation system,and the other provided with a manual actuation system, or again with oneof the two dispensers motor-driven and the other manually displaceablevia a mechanical system.

As already mentioned, the disposable container according to theinvention could be produced so as to include right from the start thenozzle 20, for example made of a single piece with the matching part 18,in which case the sealing functions described for the flange 26 of thenozzle 20 would be performed by the upper flange 18 b of the matchingpart 18. For such a case, moreover, the region 13 ₂ of the foil could beabsent or pre-pierced, and the axial cavity of the ensemble made up ofthe matching part 18 and the nozzle 20 could be closed at the top in asealed way by means of a sealing film. This film could be of a peelabletype that can be manually removed by the user, or else pierceable ortearable by a suitable tip or blade, for example carried by the firstdispenser 51 within the region thereof circumscribed by the sealingmeans 53, or else be pre-cut or weakened in order to enable tearingthereof as a result of the pressure exerted by the fluid coming out ofthe first dispenser 51.

As already mentioned, the coupling or positioning element (18) does notnecessarily have to be associated to the wall 13, its functions ofcoupling with respect to the dispensing element of the machine possiblyin fact being obtained by a suitable conformation of the nozzle 20.

In other possible embodiments, the coupling or positioning element (18)can extend partially or completely underneath the wall 13. For instance,in the case where the element 18 is associated to the inner side of thewall 13 so as to extend completely within the volume 16, on the topsurface of the wall 13 a suitable graphic indication can be providedaimed at indicating to the user the area in which to insert the injectorelement or nozzle 20, or the area in which to tear the wall via the tip23 of the element 20 itself. In this case, it will be the inlet part ofthe nozzle 20 that is configured for mechanical and/or hydrauliccoupling with respect to the dispensing head of the preparation machine.In the case where the elements 18 and 20 are made of a single piece thatextends completely within the volume 16 starting from the wall 13, thelatter could possibly be weakened at the inlet (24) of such a singlepiece, for example in order to be torn as a result of the pressure bythe fluid injected. In the case of an injector element 20 that extendscompletely within the volume 16, the corresponding coupling orpositioning element could be constituted by the flange 26 of theinjector element itself, without the need for a further functionalelement of the type designated by 18.

It will be appreciated that the position of insertion of the injectorelement or nozzle 20 through the wall 13 of the container 11 does notnecessarily have to be identified by a coupling or positioning element,such as the matching part 18. In any case, moreover, the aforesaidposition of insertion, even in the presence of such an element, does notnecessarily have to be central with respect to the wall 13.

In other embodiments (not illustrated), for example in the case wherethe coupling or positioning element extends completely within thechamber 16, the function of identifying a preset position for thecontainer 11 within the area 5 of the machine can be obtained with meansdifferent from the element itself and from the arrangement designatedpreviously by 70. For instance, for this purpose, the structure 2 of themachine 1 could define in the area 5 a seat or a support in which tocouple the container 11, for example at its flange 15 a.

As already mentioned, the food substance pre-packaged in the disposablecontainer may be of various types, preferentially corresponding to whichare different functional conditions of preparation, for exampledifferent volumes and/or fillings of the container 11 and/or differentlengths of the injector element 20. Likewise, the preparation machine 1will be preferably provided with a plurality of corresponding programsdistinguished also by different operating parameters (such as duration,pressure, temperature of injection of the fluid into the container).These various programs could be selectable directly by the user, forexample via the user interface 4, or else be selected directly by thecontrol system of the machine thanks to automatic recognition of thecontainer, as mentioned previously.

It will be appreciated that the disposable container 11 described canalso be used separately from the brewing unit 30 of the machine 1, inparticular when the ingredient, or precursor, or substance, or foodproduct pre-packaged in the container 11 requires for its preparation(dilution, or heating, or dissolving, or reconstitution, etc., accordingto the type of contents) just the supply of water and/or steam, withoutany need for further ingredients that can be produced via the brewingunit 30. In this perspective, a machine 1 could also be configured forjust introduction of steam and/or hot water into the container 11. It isin any case preferable for the dispensing head, even when it is intendedonly for introduction of steam and/or hot water into the container, tobe provided with means (for example, a tip or a blade) for tearing thewall 13 locally and enabling venting of air present inside the containeritself in the course of preparation of the food product.

In other embodiments (not represented), the preparation machine maycomprise, instead of a dispensing head of the type described, a tube ora wand for dispensing water and/or steam, which can be oriented manuallyby the user outside the stationary structure of the machine, or else astationary attachment external to the structure, to which the inlet ofthe container 11 is to be coupled. In embodiments of this type, it ishence not indispensable to set the container 11 in the positioning area5 of the machine. Preferentially, such a tube, or wand, or attachment isprovided, at its dispensing end, with an arrangement formechanical/hydraulic coupling to the inlet of the container 11, designedto guarantee the necessary seal. Such an arrangement could, for example,include a terminal part of the tube or wand, configured for fittingwithin or around the inlet end of the nozzle 20, possibly provided witha sealing gasket. The aforementioned attachment could instead beconfigured for receiving in a sealed way an inlet portion of the nozzle20, with the inlet portion that in this case could be L-shaped. Thetube, wand, or attachment can conveniently be provided with a tip or thelike, preferably parallel to its point of release of the water and/orsteam, for cutting the entry wall of the container in order to provide avent.

In the embodiments exemplified in the figures, the injector element 20extends substantially perpendicular to the entry wall 13, but of coursein other embodiments the container could be prearranged so as to havethe injector element that extends with a different inclination.

The preparation machine, or its dispensing head, could also include justone dispensing element, such as the dispenser 51, which can be used bothfor dispensing the second food substance and for dispensing thepressurized hot water and/or steam. In possible embodiments of thistype, for example, it could be possible for such a dispensing element tobe selectively connected—for example via valve means that can becontrolled by the control system—to an outlet of a brewing unit of thetype designated previously by 30 and to an outlet of a boiler of thetype designated previously by 44, respectively. In embodiments of thistype the control system of the machine could be equipped with anoperating program suitable for controlling dispensing first hot water orsteam and then the second food substance into the container 1 (or viceversa). Also in embodiments of this type, moreover, a suitable elementcould be provided, such as a tip or a blade, for piercing or tearing theentry wall 13 of the container 1 locally and enabling venting of airpresent within the container itself in the course of preparation of thefood product.

1. A system for preparing a food product, comprising a preparationmachine and a sealed disposable container for preparing and retainingthe food product, wherein the disposable container has an entry wall, abottom wall opposite to the entry wall, and a lateral wall, which definean internal volume, pre-packaged in which is a predetermined amount ofat least one first food substance or of a precursor thereof, wherein thepreparation machine comprises at least a stationary structure, ahydraulic circuit, and a control system, wherein the hydraulic circuitcomprises at least one water-supply source, means for heating water, andpumping means, wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises a firstdispensing element, designed to be supplied with pressurized hot waterand/or steam, wherein: the disposable container, substantially at theentry wall thereof, has at least one axially hollow coupling element,which defines at least part of an inlet of the disposable container; thedisposable container comprises an axially extending injector element,couplable with the at least one coupling element or integrally formed orfixed therewith, in such a way that at least a first distal portion ofthe injector element extends within the internal volume; the firstdispensing element and the at least one coupling element are configuredfor mutual coupling, in particular sealed coupling, and wherein thehydraulic circuit is controllable, in particular through the controlsystem of the preparation machine, for conveying pressurized hot waterand/or steam to the first dispensing element, for correspondinginjection into the internal volume of the disposable container throughthe injector element.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: thestationary structure of the preparation machine defines acontainer-positioning area; the first dispensing element is part of adispensing head that is carried by the stationary structure of thepreparation machine and faces towards the container-positioning area;and the dispensing head is configured for coupling, in particular sealedcoupling, of the first dispensing element with the at least one couplingelement of the disposable container when the disposable container ispositioned in a substantially predetermined position within thecontainer-positioning area.
 3. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe preparation machine further comprises a preparation unit, whichincludes a preparation chamber suitable for receiving a dose of aprecursor of at least one second food substance, and dispensing thesecond food substance following upon passage of water and/or steamthrough the preparation chamber, the hydraulic circuit being configuredfor supplying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the preparationchamber.
 4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the hydrauliccircuit of the preparation machine comprises a second dispensingelement, which is connected in fluid communication with an outlet of thepreparation chamber and is configured for introducing the second foodsubstance into the internal volume, in particular following uponpiercing or tearing of the entry wall of the disposable container. 5.The system according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic circuit of thepreparation machine comprises a second dispensing element, which isconnected in fluid communication with an outlet of the preparationchamber and is configured for introducing the second food substance intothe internal volume, in particular following upon piercing or tearing ofthe entry wall of the disposable container, and wherein the dispensinghead of the preparation machine comprises the second dispensing elementand is configured for introducing the second food substance into theinternal volume when the disposable container is in said substantiallypredetermined position.
 6. The system according to claim 2, wherein thedispensing head comprises a movable part and a stationary part forguiding the movable part, the movable part being displaceable between aninoperative or raised position and an operative or lowered position withrespect to the container-positioning area.
 7. The system according toclaim 2, wherein the dispensing head comprises a movable part and astationary part for guiding the movable part, the movable part beingdisplaceable between an inoperative or raised position and an operativeor lowered position with respect to the container-positioning area, andwherein the movable part of the dispensing head comprises the firstdispensing element, and at least one of the first dispensing element andthe inlet of the disposable container has a sealing arrangement, whichis able to co-operate in a sealed way with the other one of the firstdispensing element and the inlet of the disposable container when themovable part of the dispensing head is in the respective operative orlowered position.
 8. The system according to claim 4, wherein thedispensing head comprises a movable part and a stationary part forguiding the movable part, the movable part being displaceable between aninoperative or raised position and an operative or lowered position withrespect to the container-positioning area, and wherein the movable partof the dispensing head comprises the second dispensing element and haspiercing or tearing means, which are able to pierce or tear the entrywall of the disposable container during passage of the movable part ofthe dispensing head from the inoperative or raised position to theoperative or lowered position.
 9. The system according to claim 2,wherein the preparation machine comprises a coupling arrangementconfigured for identifying the predetermined position of the disposablecontainer within the container-positioning area and/or for providing acoupling of a substantially mechanical type with the disposablecontainer, where preferably: the at least one coupling element of thedisposable container at least partially protrudes outside the internalvolume; and/or the coupling arrangement is operatively associated to thedispensing head and is configured for providing a coupling of asubstantially mechanical type with the coupling element; and/or thecoupling arrangement and the at least one coupling element of thedisposable container are configured for a mutual coupling substantiallyof a mechanical type following upon a movement of the disposablecontainer in a direction generally transverse with respect to adirection of displacement of a movable part of the dispensing head. 10.The system according to claim 3, wherein the control system of thepreparation machine comprises at least one of: a pre-stored operatingprogram configured for controlling dispensing of the second foodsubstance and delivery of pressurized hot water and/or steam into thedisposable container; a sensor system for detecting presence of thedisposable container and/or the type thereof.
 11. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the injector element of the disposable container isa part distinct from a container body that includes the entry wall, thebottom wall, and the lateral wall, the injector element being configuredfor insertion through a said coupling element, where preferably: theentry wall includes a pierceable foil having a peripheral region fixedin a sealed way at an upper edge of the lateral wall, in particular at acorresponding annular flange; the pierceable foil, in a region thereofradially more internal with respect to said upper edge of the lateralwall, has associated to it said coupling element; said coupling elementidentifies, at a corresponding axial cavity, a first region for piercingof the pierceable foil and/or for guided introduction into the internalvolume of the first distal portion of the injector element; and/or saidcoupling element and the injector element are prearranged in such a wayas to define a predefined position of the first distal portion of theinjector element in the internal volume, in said predefined position thedistal end of the injector element being preferably raised with respectto the bottom wall of the container body and at a substantiallypredetermined distance therefrom.
 12. The system according to claim 11,wherein at least one of said coupling element or the injector elementhas end-of-travel means that are able to co-operate with the other oneof the injector element or said coupling element for defining apredefined position of the first distal portion of the injector elementin the internal volume.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein thedisposable container comprises a container body, which includes theentry wall, the bottom wall, and the lateral wall, wherein the entrywall is configured for being removed from the container body to enableconsumption of the food product directly from the container body, theentry wall defining in particular a gripping tab.
 14. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the entry wall of the disposable containerincludes a pierceable foil having a peripheral region fixed in a sealedway at an upper edge of the lateral wall, between the peripheral regionand the at least one coupling element there being defined a region ofthe pierceable foil that is to be pierced by a dispensing element of thepreparation machine.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein theinjector element of the disposable container has at least one outletopening in its first distal portion, preferably at a height greater thanthe level of the first food substance contained in the internal volume.16. The system according to claim 3, further comprising at least onecapsule, or pod, or tablet containing the dose of precursor of the atleast one second food substance, the preparation chamber beingprearranged for receiving the at least one capsule, or pod, or tablet.17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the food product is aliquid food product, in particular cappuccino, and the first foodsubstance is a dosed liquid ingredient contained in the disposablecontainer.
 18. A disposable container for preparing and retaining a foodproduct, having an entry wall, a bottom wall opposite to the entry wall,and a lateral wall, which define an internal volume, packaged in whichis a predetermined amount of at least one first food substance or of aprecursor thereof, wherein, substantially at the entry wall, thedisposable container has at least one axially hollow coupling element,which defines at least part of an inlet of the disposable container,wherein the disposable container comprises an axially extending injectorelement, which is couplable to the at least one positioning element oris integrally formed or fixed thereto, in such a way that at least onefirst distal portion of the injector element extends within the internalvolume, and wherein the at least one coupling element of the disposablecontainer is configured for coupling, in particular in a sealed way,with a dispensing element of a preparation machine, for introducing intothe internal volume a flow of pressurized hot water and/or steamnecessary for preparing the food product.
 19. A machine for preparing afood product, comprising at least a stationary structure, a hydrauliccircuit, and a control system, wherein the hydraulic circuit comprisesat least one water-supply source, means for heating water, and pumpingmeans, wherein the hydraulic circuit further comprises a first externaldispensing element, which can be supplied with pressurized hot waterand/or steam, wherein the first dispensing element is configured forcoupling, in particular in a sealed way, with an inlet of a disposablecontainer for preparing and retaining the food product, and wherein thehydraulic circuit is controllable, in particular through the controlsystem, for conveying pressurized hot water and/or steam to the firstdispensing element.
 20. A method for preparing a food product,comprising the steps of: providing a disposable container for preparingand retaining the food product, having an internal volume containing apreset amount of at least one first food substance or of a precursorthereof; providing a preparation machine, having a stationary structureand a hydraulic circuit that comprises a first dispensing element and asecond dispensing element; arranging the disposable container in apredetermined position within a positioning area of the preparationmachine to bring about coupling, in particular sealed coupling, betweenthe first dispensing element and an inlet of the disposable container;introducing into the internal volume of the disposable containerpressurized hot water and/or steam, through the aforesaid inlet and aninjector element of the disposable container, which extends axiallywithin the internal volume; introducing into the internal volume of thedisposable container a second liquid food substance produced in thepreparation machine, via the second dispensing element, in particularfollowing upon piercing or tearing of an entry wall of the disposablecontainer.